Thread: Standard Form Q

N = (3.2 * 10^p) * (4.5*10^q)
where p and q are integers. Express N in terms of p and q.
Give your answer in standard form
How?

I tried 14.4 * 10^(p+q)

but that is not right.

Originally Posted by jsmith613

N = (3.2 * 10^p) * (4.5*10^q)
where p and q are integers. Express N in terms of p and q.
Give your answer in standard form
How?

I tried 14.4 * 10^(p+q)

but that is not right.

Do you mean the standard form of scientific notation? If so I would use

$\displaystyle N = 1.44 \cdot 10^{1+p+q}$

why 1 + p + q, where do you get the +1

Originally Posted by jsmith613

N = (3.2 * 10^p) * (4.5*10^q)
...

Originally Posted by jsmith613

why 1 + p + q, where do you get the +1

$\displaystyle N = (3.2 \cdot 10^p) \cdot (4.5 \cdot 10^q) = 3.2 \cdot 4.5 \cdot 10^p \cdot 10^q = $ $\displaystyle 14.4 \cdot 10^p \cdot 10^q = 1.44 \cdot 10^1 \cdot 10^p \cdot 10^q = \boxed{1.44 \cdot 10^{1+p+q}}$